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Who Is Praying for You?
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Hi Mike,
Thanks for another great post. You’ve hit on an important problem in the kingdom. Pastors need prayer as much as anyone (if not more), but it’s hard to develop that authentic connection within the congregation or with colleagues. I used to resent the void, but I’ve come to realize that it goes with ministry. It goes with the territory so why be angry about it?
I’ve found a helpful resource in spiritual direction. This is an old & respected Christian tradition that is common among Catholics but often unknown to evangelicals.
I meet monthly with a trained director, who asks questions such as…
How are you doing spiritually? How is your family?
What is God doing in your life? What are you learning? How are you growing?
How can I pray for you?
Since my director is not a member of my church, I can vent as needed. And an outsider can offer wider perspectives on my challenges.
This practice has calmed my soul and increased my effectiveness and longevity as a congregational minister.
Thanks, John. I know a number of people who have found great value in spiritual direction, and am glad that it’s no longer seen as just a “Catholic thing.”